No Deal On McDonald.... Yet

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has rubbished speculation linking Socceroo Scott McDonald with a switch to English Premier League club Wigan Athletic.

Scottish newspaper the Daily Record reported over the weekend that McDonald was in negotiations with the 'Latics about the prospect of a one-year loan deal.

But Mowbray, who has had several of his players linked with moves elsewhere recently, denied any contact or enquiries about such a move had been made.

The ex-West Bromwich boss told BBC Scotland: "I've never had calls on these players, yet it fills somebody's newspapers.

"Two weeks ago, it was Scott Brown off for £12m, last week it was Aiden McGeady, this week it's Scott McDonald," Mowbray added.

"I take very little notice of rumours. I've stipulated that I don't read the papers, but I sat at the breakfast table this morning and saw my assistant manager reading the papers and I saw a few headlines.

"It's literally water off a duck's back to me."

McDonald's agent Lou Sticca admitted there had been in interest in the Socceroo, but insisted he would be sticking with Celtic until January at least.

"Every player and club has their price and there is every possibility Scott could be sold in the next window," Sticca said.

"Scott is very happy at Celtic but the reality is if the club receive an offer that is too good to refuse then he will be sold on.

"There is one club on the continent and also another in the Premier League. But nothing will happen now until January at the earliest.

He added: "For now, Scott just wants to concentrate on helping Celtic win back the title and he flies out to Korea on Tuesday to the join the Socceroos for Saturday's friendly against the Korea Republic.

"This is a vital year for Australia and it's important he's settled at club level ahead of the World Cup. He's not stressed or worried about anything. He knows he's valued where he is and is highly rated by the new coach Tony Mowbray.

"He will just keep giving his all, hopefully scoring goals and we'll see what happens, if anything, in January."